It's Melissa's B-day (18 August) and this pic was actually made months ago (I also sent the original pencil sketch to her as a B-day gift too).
But I am troubled and sadden by the fact that she experienced a murder minutes before her B-day.
In an odd way, my Black Jack gift pic to her is quite fitting... The manga deals with life and death, and the protagonist doesn't always save the day because life itself can be cruel and twisted. Despite all the loss of his loved ones and torture he has endured, he has a strong iron will to live and help those who deserve his help.

Black Jack will always be mines, others and Melissa's, most favorite manga character.

Melissa, we have known each other for 6 years and you have definitely been through a lot. And out of everyone else online, you were the one that I was most worried about. I know I'm hardly online as much and that I don't really get a chance to chat to you, I really want to let you know that your friendship means a lot to me and I hope we can continue to be friend for many years to come.

I Love this Pic, BJ looks so great, and the pencil shadow makes a great combination whit the colors, BJ is a Character who has an awesome personality, I love how the others think is a person totally diferent who he is, this pic really makes me feel something

What can I say? This is just a wonderful portrait of Black Jack. I really love the soft pen shading. Black Jack is one of my top favorite characters too. I guess it's because he's a very morally ambiguous character. Deep down BJ's a really good guy, but still, he's quite shady and mysterious.

Wonderful BJ May! Love his soft colouring.
And, excuse me, but what happened to your friend? A murder? O_o Send me a pm if you like.
Sorry for my curiosity, but if you don't want to answer me, it's ok, I understand...

Aww, that's how I felt once I sent off my rsom entry last year. I was having doubts about it the minute I left the post office. XD; But here's hoping that you make it this year! *_*
At the moment, I have made a pitch to Tokyopop to serialize Redeemon, but they were quite prissy about it not being original enough. I'm kinda worried that I might end up with something quite complex, what with all the editing and all. @_@ Mou...
Also been working on a Black Jack doujinshi which I hope to post up sometime late next month. (Yes! Busy-busy! XD) No plans on entering any competitions this year!

;_; Maiiii... thanks so much <3 It looks even more fantastic colored *_*

Yeah, in a way, he's fitting for the moment... but yes, thank you so so so much... this means a lot to me, as does our friendship. Wherever I'll get blown away to in life, I want to make sure that you will always be a part of it. <333 Sorry if I ever worried you too much... I made some idiotic decisions back then... but I've learnt from them and, despite me being a whiny emo kid at times, I'm so glad you stuck by my side through all that dramallama. Thank you so much Mai. ILU. <3 I really do.

I'm so glad that you like the colorized version! ^^ I really do hope that you will grow stronger in life. It's good to hear that you're busy with college and other activities. Don't forget to relax and have fun! And if life is getting you down you can always consult to the good doctor himself.

Like Jez said, the soft style and symbolism in this really stands out a lot and has so much meaning to it. The coloring is very well done with a nice style of shading applied to it. I really like how his pose and expression came out, and the background is very nice too. You definitely put a lot of effort into this which is a huge plus! The border is a nice little touch too. Fantastic job on this!